Petrol forecourt scheme gets underway

A new scheme aimed at tackling crime on petrol forecourts is today (Friday, September 4) being launched in the counties of Flintshire and Wrexham.

Clamping down and prosecuting motorists who drive off the forecourt without paying and individuals who claim they are unable to meet the cost for their fuel is the main aim of the scheme which has been developed by Mold based PC 1409 Hazel Goss MBE.

Last year in the two counties alone, over 300 ‘drive offs’ (whereby an individual had driven off without paying for their fuel) occurred. The new scheme aims to dramatically reduce this figure and lead to more prosecutions by various methods including issuing advice to garage employees.

All 54 garages in the Eastern Division have already signed up for the scheme and have been issued with packs which should make the reporting and evidence gathering of such crimes far quicker and more efficient. The scheme will also see an officer dedicated to dealing with the crimes – ensuring one point of police contact for all garages within the area.

“The crimes will still be reported in the usual way and response officers will initially deal with the incident,” said PC Goss MBE “The garages will be encouraged to complete the packs and submit CCTV images they have in connection with the incident and this in turn will be submitted to PC Tony Gray who will be the officer dedicated to investigating the crimes.”

PC Goss MBE added: “The single point of contact will also ensure that local Community Beat Managers and Police Community Support Officers who would usually play an active part in undertaking further inquiries in relation to the two crimes will be free to undertake other duties.”

The additional benefit is of course that PC Gray will gain a valuable insight into petrol crime and pick up on any trends that may be seen quickly and in turn notify the garages in the area for them to remain vigilant. Forewarned is forearmed!”